Cops find Rony's allegation baseless

The image taken from lawmaker Rony’s Facebook account shows cameraperson Mukul, in pain, being taken away after the assault. The post claimed that Mukul received mass beating trying to extort money from Rony. Image: Facebook

Police have not found any evidence in support of ruling party lawmaker Golam Maula Rony's allegation that two television journalists, whom he beat up at his office, attacked him and threatened to kill.

On the basis of the probe, police submitted their final report to the court Tuesday clearing the Independent TV journalists -- reporter Imtiaz Momin and cameraperson Mohsin Mukul -- and its owner Salman F Rahman of the charges, which also include attempts of extortion.

Rony filed the case with Shahbagh Police Station against the three on July 20 accusing them of attacking the MP, threatening him with death and trying to extort money from him.

Abu Zafar, a sub inspector (SI) of the police station and also the investigation officer of the case, submitted the probe report to the Court of Chief Metropolitan Magistrate in Dhaka stating that charges brought against the three were found to be false.

The IO appealed to the court to discharge them from the charges, insisting that Rony filed the case to divert people's attention from the incident.

The IO also appealed court to take action against Rony for filing the 'false' case.

On July 20, Rony beat up Imtiaz and Mohsin, members of a team that produces a crime-investigative show, Talash, for the TV channel, at his Topkhana Road office in the capital.

The two had gone there after receiving information that the lawmaker would receive a bribe of more than Tk 1 crore sent from Patuakhali.

Police on July 24 arrested Rony in connection with a case filed by Independent TV for assaulting their two journalists.